How many calories are in a sandwich pickle? The definitive guide

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

A single dill pickle slice can contain as little as 1 calorie, making it a near-zero-calorie addition to any meal. However, the question of how many calories are in a sandwich pickle has a more complex answer, as the calorie count is highly dependent on the pickling process and added ingredients, especially sugar.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a sandwich pickle varies widely based on its preparation, with unsweetened dill types containing very few calories and sweet, bread-and-butter varieties having significantly more due to added sugar.

Key Points

Low Calorie: Plain dill pickle slices contain very few calories, often rounded down to zero per serving due to FDA regulations.
Sugar Is the Factor: Sweet pickles, like bread and butter varieties, have more calories because of the added sugar in the brine.
High in Sodium: Regardless of calorie count, pickles are high in sodium and should be consumed in moderation, especially for those monitoring their intake for health reasons.
Probiotic Potential: Traditionally fermented pickles, unlike vinegar-brined types, can offer beneficial probiotics for gut health.
Serving Size Matters: The total calories depend heavily on the type and quantity, so always check the nutrition label for specific products.
Flavorful Addition: Pickles are a great way to add flavor and a satisfying crunch to sandwiches and other meals without adding significant calories.
Check Preparation: Fried pickles are very high in calories from batter and oil, so be mindful of preparation methods.

The Core Calorie Contributor: Dill vs. Sweet

For anyone monitoring their caloric intake, understanding the difference between dill and sweet pickles is crucial. The primary source of calories in a pickle is the original cucumber and any added sugars in the brining solution. Since cucumbers are naturally low in calories, the added sugar is the main variable.

Dill Pickles: A Low-Calorie Choice

Dill pickles are typically made with cucumbers, vinegar, salt, and seasonings like dill and garlic. Because they do not contain added sugar, their calorie count is exceptionally low. A small dill pickle spear contains approximately 4-5 calories, while a single slice may have as little as 1 calorie. This makes them an excellent, flavorful, low-calorie addition to sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone snack. The reason some labels state zero calories for a dill pickle serving is often due to the U.S. FDA's nutrition label rounding rules, which allow foods with fewer than 5 calories per serving to be listed as zero.

Sweet and Bread & Butter Pickles: A Higher Calorie Option

On the other end of the spectrum are sweet varieties like bread and butter pickles. These contain a considerable amount of added sugar, which significantly increases their caloric value. For instance, two slices of a standard bread and butter pickle can contain around 35 calories, a notable increase compared to their dill counterparts. The higher sugar content also changes the nutritional profile, making them less ideal for those closely managing sugar intake.

Fried Pickles: The Calorie Bomb

While not a traditional sandwich pickle, the popularity of fried pickles makes them a relevant comparison. Fried pickles are coated in batter and deep-fried, causing their calorie count to skyrocket. A single serving can contain anywhere from 200 to over 500 calories, primarily from the absorbed oil and breading. This transforms a low-calorie food into a high-calorie indulgence.

The Overall Nutritional Profile of Pickles

Beyond calories, pickles offer several other nutritional components worth noting:

Vitamins and Minerals: Pickles contain beneficial vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health, and some amounts of vitamins A and C.
Antioxidants: Since pickles are made from raw, preserved cucumbers, they retain the antioxidant properties of the vegetable, which help fight free radicals in the body.
High Sodium Content: The pickling process involves heavy salting, which results in a high sodium content. A single dill pickle spear can contain a significant portion of the daily recommended sodium intake. For those with high blood pressure or other health concerns, moderation is key.
Probiotics: Some pickles, particularly traditionally fermented ones made without vinegar, contain probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can help improve gut health and digestion. It is important to check the label for terms like “fermented,” “unpasteurized,” or “contains live cultures” to ensure probiotic benefits.

A Comparison of Popular Pickle Types

This table outlines the key nutritional differences between common pickle types found in sandwiches.


Pickle Type	Approximate Calories (per small serving)	Added Sugar	Sodium (mg) (approx.)	Primary Health Consideration
Dill Pickle (Slice or Spear)	1-5 calories	No	170-325 mg	High sodium
Sweet Pickle (Bread & Butter Slice)	8-17 calories	Yes	25-75 mg	Added sugar
Fried Pickle (Serving)	200-500+ calories	Varies	Varies	High calories from fat

How to Incorporate Pickles into a Healthy Diet

Pickles, especially the dill variety, can be a valuable tool for healthy eating when consumed mindfully. Their low-calorie, high-flavor profile makes them a satisfying snack or sandwich addition without packing on excess calories. Here are a few ways to use them:

Enhance a sandwich: Add dill pickle slices or spears to sandwiches and wraps for a satisfying crunch and tangy flavor. This can replace high-calorie spreads like mayonnaise.
Use as a snack: Opt for dill pickles when you need a crunchy, salty snack. They can curb cravings for chips or other higher-calorie processed snacks.
Incorporate into salads: Dice up dill pickles and add them to tuna, chicken, or potato salad for extra flavor without the need for excessive dressing.
Drink the juice: Athletes sometimes drink pickle juice to replenish electrolytes and combat muscle cramps due to the sodium content.
Homemade control: Make your own pickles to control the amount of sugar and sodium. This allows for complete customization of the nutritional profile.

Conclusion

When asking how many calories are in a sandwich pickle, the answer is not one-size-fits-all. A standard dill pickle is a near-zero-calorie food, deriving its flavor from vinegar and spices. On the other hand, sweet pickles contain significantly more calories due to added sugar. Always check the nutrition label, especially for sweet or fried varieties, to understand the true caloric and sodium impact. For those seeking a low-calorie, flavorful addition to their meals, dill pickles are an excellent choice, but it is important to balance their high sodium content with the rest of your diet. Everyday Health offers more advice on building healthier sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, dill pickles are not truly calorie-free. They contain a minimal number of calories, typically 1 to 5 per serving, which allows food companies to legally round down to zero on nutrition labels in the US.

Sweet pickles have more calories than dill pickles because of the added sugar used in their brining solution. Dill pickles are flavored with spices and vinegar, which contain negligible calories.

Yes, pickles can be a healthy food choice when consumed in moderation. They are low in calories and contain some vitamins and antioxidants. However, their high sodium content is a key factor to consider, especially for those on a low-sodium diet.

Only traditionally fermented pickles contain probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Standard pickles brined in vinegar have been pasteurized, killing the good bacteria. Check the label for terms like 'fermented' or 'unpasteurized'.

Pickles can support weight loss due to their very low calorie count and satisfying crunch. They can help curb cravings and are a flavorful alternative to higher-calorie snacks, but moderation is advised due to the high sodium content.

A serving of fried pickles can have a surprisingly high calorie count, often ranging from 200 to over 500 calories. This is due to the batter and oil absorbed during the deep-frying process, which dramatically increases the fat and calorie content.

Yes, the size of the pickle directly affects its total calorie count. For example, a small dill pickle spear contains approximately 4 calories, while a larger one could have slightly more. The best way to be precise is to check the nutrition information for the specific product and serving size.